Investors do not need guarantor for visit visas in UAE

Emad Eddin Khalil, Staff Reporter

The UAE's Digital Government called on investors from all over the world to take advantage of the digital services provided by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP), and the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs Dubai, where they can apply for a visit visa to explore business establishment opportunities in the UAE.

The Government clarified that the visit visa allows foreign businessmen to enter the country without the need for a guarantor or a host, to explore opportunities for establishing businesses, and also to find out about investment opportunities.

The visa is issued for a single trip and for different periods of up to 4 months, including 60, 90 or 120 days, the Government indicated.

There are 3 conditions for obtaining a visa, including the availability of financial solvency which qualifies the investor, according to the type of the activity he plans to practise, or that he possesses talents, capabilities, or higher qualifications, according to the Government.

The investor also has to be practising that work professionally in his home country, and must fulfil the financial guarantee fixed, added the Government.

The Government also indicated that there are 3 documents required upon application, including a coloured personal photo, a copy of the passport, and proof of eligibility for permanent residency.

Foreign investors, according to the Government, can apply directly to obtain a visa through the ICP’s smart channels through 5 steps, including filling in the required data, attaching attachments, paying the prescribed fees, evaluating the service, and finally receiving the transaction by e-mail.

The application will be rejected electronically, after 30 days in the event that it was returned due to the shortage of data, or due to the failure to attach the required documents, as well as in the event that it was returned 3 times due to any lacunae.

The Government also indicated that in the event that the visa holder cannot enter the country within the prescribed period from the date of issuance of the visa, its validity can be extended for a period of 60 days but only once.

In this case, only issuance fees and financial guarantees (if any) can be refunded, via credit card within a period not exceeding six months from the date of submitting the application.

These can also be refunded through the procedures followed by cheque or bank transfer (for banks located within the UAE only) and during a period not exceeding five years.